Posts by Emily Adler

Emily Adler (she/her) covers the WNBA at large and college basketball for The IX Basketball, with a focus on player development and the game behind the game.

Duke head coach Kara Lawson holds her temples with spread fingers while looking off-screen with a bewildered expression. A packed section of out-of-focus fans is behind her in the background, with a section adjacent to them covered by an equally out-of-focus ACC logo.

It’s been a baffling few weeks of college basketball

November 22, 2025

From the strangest shot I have ever seen to historically bad losses

UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts holds the ball to her side while posting-up Mississippi big Christine Iwuala, who grimaces while bracing against Betts with a forearm. Loosely filled arena seats are hazily visibly far behind them.

Lauren Betts’ development — the good, the bad and the ugly

November 15, 2025

The projected lottery pick is a stellar talent, with one or two seriously limiting flaws

UCLA center Lauren Betts dribbled the ball while posting up UConn center Jana El Alfy, who extends her forearm against Betts while leaning toward her. Cheerleaders and photographers sit on the sideline behind them out of focus, with a blurry but full crowd farther in the background.

The 2026 WNBA Draft may be the last great class for centers

November 9, 2025

WNBA prospects are getting taller, but playing the post less

Two side-by-side pictures: on the left, Spain center Awa Fam stands looking to her left with an arm outstreched past the edge of the picture; on the right, Notre Dame point guard Olivia Miles tosses a cross-body pass in midair in front of a Louisville defender with a packed crowd in the background

The IX Basketball’s 2026 WNBA Draft Board, V1.0

October 14, 2025

The most detailed 2026 WNBA draft resource available outside a team’s actual war room

Members of the New York Liberty walk away down the court, including Marine Johannès, Jonquel Jones, Kennedy Burke, Sabrina Ionescu, and Natasha Cloud, toward Breanna Stewart who has a towel around her neck. The Liberty coaching staff waits in the background, in front of an out-of-focus packed crowd.

WNBA Notes: Let’s talk about the future, with New York, Golden State and more

September 20, 2025

Four more teams have concluded their 2025 season, so it is time to check in on their outlooks moving forward

Napheesa Collier and Paige Bueckers chat on the court.

The Next’s 2025 WNBA Awards: Napheesa Collier, Paige Bueckers among winners

September 16, 2025

Collier MVP, Bueckers ROY and much more

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers looks up with a concerned expression. Teammate Myisha Hines-Allen approaches her from the side, while other teammates look on in the background. Packed arena stands are blurry in the background.

WNBA Notes: Let’s talk about the future for teams that missed the playoffs

September 13, 2025

Exploring what the future could hold for the Sparks, Sun, Sky, Mystics and Wings

Members of the Minnesota Lynx line up in rows and dance the electric slide to celebrate a victory. Courtney Williams stands front and center wearing sunglasses, with Kayla McBride to her right and Napheesa Collier to her left. Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith stand behind them, while Diamond Miller, Maria Kliundikova and the mascot Prowl are in the back line. A packed arena crowd claps along behind them.

WNBA Notes: Previewing probable playoff matchups

September 6, 2025

Breaking down the projected first-round matchups, from most likely to only slightly less likely to be a blowout

Wasington guard Sonia Citron dribbles toward the rim past Alyssa Thomas, who is trying to turn and follow. Another Mystics player stands behind Thomas, while a packed crowd on the sideline and endline watch on out of focus in the background.

WNBA Notes: Sparks frontcourt decisions, hot shooting from Sonia Citron, Jewell Loyd

August 30, 2025

Plus: Checking in on WNBA lottery odds

A group of Las Vegas Aces players including A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young and Aaliyah Nye gather in the paint while Wilson helps pick NaLyssa Smith pick herself up off the ground. A referee stands next to them looking on, while a pair of Minnesota Lynx players are talking to each other behind the group. Packed arena stands are out of focus in the background.

WNBA Notes: Aces riding high, Storm facing offseason decision

August 23, 2025

Our regular look around the WNBA breaks down the Aces’ historic hot streak, what Domnique Malonga means for Seattle’s future, and more